Three layouts
Same room. Move the furniture, change the event.
Each figure below is a layout we have actually run in this building. None of them is a fire-code occupancy number, and it is worth knowing the difference when you are comparing venues.
Rows
180 seated
Ceremonies, lectures, award evenings, annual meetings
Chairs in rows facing the north end, where the original crane rail is. Sets up in about an hour and strikes in less, which is why a ceremony and a dinner can happen in the same room on the same afternoon.
Round tables
140 seated at tables of eight
Wedding dinners, fundraisers, company dinners
Eighteen rounds with room to walk between them and space at the south end for a bar. At 160 the room is full and people at the back cannot hear a speech; we will tell you that before you book, not after.
Open floor
320 standing
Concerts, receptions, trade evenings
Stage against the north wall, floor clear, bar at the south end by the doors. The limestone makes the room bright and loud, which suits a band and does not suit a speech.
What each one is bad at
Published because the alternative is finding out on the day, which is the one day nobody can fix it.
- Rows are the fastest to change
- An hour to set and less to strike, which is why a ceremony and a dinner can share an afternoon.
- Rounds get tight above 140
- At 160 the room is full and the back tables cannot hear a speech. We will say so before you book.
- The open floor is loud
- Limestone and a hard floor. Excellent for a band, poor for anybody trying to make a toast.
- A change mid-day is planned, not improvised
- One layout change is in the day rate. It happens on a schedule agreed a fortnight out.
If your number is near one of the edges — 150 at tables, 300 standing — come and stand in the room. It settles the question in five minutes.
Arrange a walk-through